NWSL Washington Spirit

Washington Spirit and Community Partner CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Unite to Celebrate "D.C. Ward Night" at September 3 Game

August 31, 2023 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Washington Spirit News Release


Washington, D.C. - On Sunday, September 3, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (CareFirst), the official healthcare partner of the Washington Spirit, will be the presenting sponsor of the Spirit's first "D.C. Ward Night" during the team's match versus the Chicago Red Stars. The goal of the themed night is to celebrate the rich history of the city and its diverse neighborhoods, specifically honoring the communities and people of Wards 6, 7 and 8 - the area surrounding the Spirit's home of Audi Field.

"The Spirit prides itself on servicing the communities that make up our home of Washington, D.C.," said Cay Young, Washington Spirit Vice President of Revenue and Partnerships. "CareFirst is the perfect partner to collaborate with in this mission, and D.C. Ward Night serves as an excellent example of bringing these goals to life."

Local businesses and community groups-including Peace For DC, The TraRon Center, Together We Rise Community Development Foundation, DC SCORES and Leveling the Playing Field (LPF)-will promote their services and resources on the Audi Field concourse. Fans, as well as local politicians and representatives from business improvement districts, can learn more about the organizations at their tables.

"The Spirit and CareFirst work closely to pursue partners that will best serve the communities of Washington, D.C.," said Kimberly Harris, Director of Community Health and Social Impact for CareFirst. "There is a rich history in Wards 6, 7 and 8 that deserves to be acknowledged and celebrated. This community partnership extends beyond the playing field and works toward our shared goal of creating better health equity by addressing the unique challenges facing these communities."

Since the inception of the Spirit's partnership with CareFirst, community service to underserved areas of D.C. has been paramount. In April, the Spirit and CareFirst announced their official partnership at the Excel Academy in Washington, D.C., an all-girls public school in Ward 8, which focuses on creating more opportunities for women and girls in soccer. By building their confidence, teamwork, leadership and more, players are empowered to become physically and emotionally healthy adults.

Wanice Edwards, STEAM Coordinator at Excel Academy, who led efforts at Excel Academy to install DC SCORES programming, will be selected as an honorary Spirit team captain. She will be recognized for her embodiment of the Spirit and CareFirst's mission, and a commitment to the young girls of Ward 8. Excel Academy students will attend Sunday's match, creating a banner to be displayed in the Supporters Section, as well as selecting the post-game Young Supporters Player of the Match.

CareFirst and the Spirit are both long supporters of Wards 6, 7 and 8, which further entwines their shared mission of improved health and equity for Washington D.C. Over the last year, the Spirit has participated in numerous community engagement events, including SERVE DC's Youth Day of Service at the Well at Oxon Run. CareFirst and the Spirit have both worked with DC SCORES to engage these areas via several outreach programs including the summer STEAM camp, visits to DC SCORES schools, the East Side Poetry Slam and Junior Jamboree, and more.

Check out the Washington Spirit Statistics



National Women's Soccer League Stories from August 31, 2023


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central